Oppps.. put in brake fluid instead of tranny fluid..

[Franki]

Hi guys, <br /><br />I'm sitting here tonight, 5 days after getting home from my fishing trip, and I just realised I did the dumbest thing I've done this week <br /><br />I just realised that I topped up my tilt trim motor with brake fluid rather then tranny fluid..<br /><br />I can't imagine why I did that, I have a 4 liter container in my shed that I normally use for the tilt trim.. <br /><br />so, how much damage am I likely to have done?<br /><br />The unit was probably more then half full of tranny fluid at the time.. so at least its not undiluted brake fluid.. but it'd be just my luck of the two have some chemical reaction in there and trash the pump altogether..<br /><br />Has anyone else ever done this and if so, how much damage did it do?<br /><br />regards<br /><br />Franki

 

[kcole683]

Re: Oppps.. put in brake fluid instead of tranny fluid..

I've never done that one, but I would drain out and flush the system ASAP. The brake fluid is likely to ruin the seals in the trim cylinders and who knows what else. I have heard of people using brake fluid to swell seals to stop leaks but don't reccommend it myself.<br />I'm sure some of the experts around here will know about possible gamage.<br /><br />Good luck

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Oppps.. put in brake fluid instead of tranny fluid..

I dont know where our brains go sometimes, but dont feel too bad, I topped off my power steering with brake fluid once! Spark-Chaser is right, Flush it out and refill with the proper fluid and you will be fine! I doubt if you have done any damange!

 

[Bobby D.]

Re: Oppps.. put in brake fluid instead of tranny fluid..

To put your mind at ease, brake fluid is not distructive to neoprene seals. Years ago I used brake fluid to clean rubber parts. It ma beat up leather material. Remember that master/wheel brake cylinders have rubber seals to make them operate. Bob

 

[Franki]

Re: Oppps.. put in brake fluid instead of tranny fluid..

Thanks guys, <br /><br />I've started draining the thing.. seems the only way is to remove one of the hoses and move the leg up and down to pump the stuff out.. <br /><br />Is it worth flushing it out with tranny fluid before refilling it? or should I just get out what I can and refil it with tranny fluid.?<br /><br />rgds<br /><br />Franki

 

[sinkingfast]

Re: Oppps.. put in brake fluid instead of tranny fluid..

stop worrying, the fluid will not damage anything..... but........<br />Fill it up again with new oil, operate the system a few times and then drain and refill.<br /><br />Even if you left it there if wouldnt do any harm but will make your oil rancid within a few months.

 

[Franki]

Re: Oppps.. put in brake fluid instead of tranny fluid..

Thanks guys, <br /><br />I took off the bottom hose and drained the system completely... then put some tranny fluid in, enough to go up and down again, then drained again... refilled again.. <br /><br />seems to be working as well as it was before.. so I'd say there is a good chance your are correct, Dude, Luberdude and Geraint..<br /><br />Thanks again.<br /><br />rgds<br /><br />Franki